Paula Scott
Chief of the Civil Legal
Services Division
The Civil Legal Services Division (CLS) provides wraparound services addressing issues
facing children in the delinquency system that hinder their successful
re-integration into the community. CLS has a team of special education attorneys
who are experts in advocacy under the federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA),
which mandates special accommodations in public schools for children who can not
be adequately educated in a traditional classroom setting due to learning disabilities
or other physical or intellectual challenges. In addition, CLS addresses other rehabilitative needs of these children and of adult clients by providing representation in civil matters arising out of
their criminal charges — public benefits entitlement, housing,
child support, and health care services. CLS also provides consultation
for attorneys with clients in the criminal justice system
who face immigration consequences.